E.G. Morse Joins Ares to Lead Asia Credit; Goel & Fong Head Special Situations
Ares Management Corporation has announced a series of senior leadership appointments aimed at strengthening its Asia Credit platform and positioning the business for long-term growth across the region. The firm revealed that E.G. Morse will join as Partner and Head of Asia Credit, while Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong have been appointed as Co-Heads of the Asia Special Situations strategy. At the same time, Edwin Wong, who has played a pivotal role in building the Asia Credit business, will retire from his position effective June 30, 2026.
These leadership changes underscore Ares’ commitment to expanding its footprint in Asia’s fast-evolving credit markets. The firm has been steadily building its capabilities in the region, and these appointments are expected to accelerate its strategic ambitions across multiple credit investment strategies.
E.G. Morse will be based in Hong Kong and will take on responsibility for overseeing the continued development of Ares’ Asia Credit business. His mandate includes driving long-term growth, strengthening regional partnerships, and deepening relationships with institutional investors and clients across Asia-Pacific. He will work closely with the firm’s global leadership to enhance Ares’ presence and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the region’s diverse credit landscape.
Morse brings with him extensive experience from his long tenure at Goldman Sachs, where he held several senior leadership roles over 16 years. Most recently, he served as Co-Head of China and Head of China Global Markets, while also acting as Co-Chair of the China Leadership Group and Head of the Asia Strategic Client Coverage Group. His international career has seen him work across major financial hubs including New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Shanghai, providing him with a broad and nuanced understanding of global and regional markets.
Earlier in his career, Morse served as CEO of Goldman Sachs Singapore and Head of Southeast Asia, where he was instrumental in expanding the firm’s regional operations. He also held the role of Head of Asia Fixed Income Distribution and began his career in leveraged finance sales in the United States. This diverse background positions him well to lead Ares’ Asia Credit strategy through its next phase of growth.
Alongside Morse’s appointment, Dinesh Goel and Gabriel Fong will jointly lead the Asia Special Situations strategy, a key component of Ares’ credit platform. In their new roles, they will continue to oversee investment activities while collaborating closely with the broader Ares Credit leadership team to expand the strategy’s reach and capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.
Goel joined Ares in 2020 following the firm’s acquisition of SSG Capital, where he had been a Managing Director. During his tenure, he played a significant role in expanding the firm’s presence in India and strengthening its investment capabilities in special situations. He began his career at Lehman Brothers in Tokyo, gaining early exposure to global financial markets and cross-border transactions.
Fong, who joined Ares in 2026, brings additional depth and experience to the leadership team. Prior to joining the firm, he served as Managing Director and Head of the Special Opportunities Group at CapitaLand Investment, where he led investment strategy and execution in complex and opportunistic situations. His career also includes roles at several prominent investment organizations, including Sculptor Capital, Morgan Stanley, and other global firms, equipping him with extensive expertise in managing special situations investments.
The leadership transition also marks the retirement of Edwin Wong, who has been instrumental in building and guiding Ares’ Asia Credit business over the years. Under his leadership, the platform has grown significantly, establishing a strong presence across key markets and strategies. Wong will work closely with Morse and the leadership team during the transition period to ensure continuity and stability.
Ares’ Asia Credit platform currently manages approximately $11.5 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. The business spans a range of strategies, including credit-focused special situations, sponsored and non-sponsored direct lending, and asset-backed finance. This diversified approach allows the firm to address a wide spectrum of financing needs across the region.
Mitch Goldstein, Co-Head of Ares Credit, expressed confidence in the new leadership team and highlighted the significance of these appointments. He noted that Morse’s appointment brings proven leadership and deep market experience, while the elevation of Goel and Fong reflects the firm’s commitment to developing internal talent and strengthening its strategic capabilities.
Morse, in his remarks, emphasized his enthusiasm for joining Ares and contributing to its continued expansion in Asia. He highlighted the firm’s global reputation and the strength of its team as key factors in his decision, noting the opportunity to build and scale the platform across one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Goel and Fong also shared their outlook, expressing excitement about leading the Asia Special Situations strategy and building on its existing foundation. They emphasized their focus on delivering differentiated investment solutions to clients while scaling the platform in a disciplined and thoughtful manner.
Wong, reflecting on his tenure, expressed pride in the growth and achievements of the Asia Credit team. He voiced confidence in the leadership of Morse and the broader team, noting that the business is well-positioned for continued success.
Overall, these leadership changes mark an important milestone for Ares as it continues to invest in its Asia Credit platform. With a strengthened leadership team, deep market expertise, and a clear strategic vision, the firm is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in Asia’s rapidly evolving credit markets while delivering value to its investors and partners.
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